Computer Programming
75-notes
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm

  1. Write programs in a variety of computer languages
  2. Update and expand existing programs
  3. Fix programs by testing and fixing errors
  4. Build and use “computer-assisted software engineering “ (C.A.S.E.) tools to automate the writing of some code
  5. Use code libraries, which are collections of independent lines of code, to simplify the writing
  6. Computer systems design and related services - 32%
  7. bachelor’s degree
  8. Median pay in 2010: 71,380 per year/$34.32 per hour
  9. No Work Experience in a Related Occupation
  10. No on job training
  11. programmers held 363,100 Jobs in 2010
  12. 12% job outlook (average) in 2010
  13. work closely with software developers
  14. programmers can do the typical work of developers
  15. programmers also design the programs
  16. entailing initially planning the software, creating models and flowcharts detailing how the code is to be written, and designing an application or system interface
  17. some projects are simple like cellphone apps
  18. some projects are complex such as operating systems
  19. typically work in offices
  20. commonly in the computer systems design and related industries
  21. normally work alone
  22. sometimes work with other computer specialists on large projects
  23. most work from home and telecommute
  24. about 25% work in California, New York, and Texas
  25. most programmers work full time
  26. some employers hire programmers with an associates degree
  27. most programmers get degrees in computer science
  28. some programmers specialize in specific fields may take other classes in the field like accounting
  29. employers value experience which students get through internships
  30. most programmers learn only a few computer languages while in school
  31. computer science degree gives students skills needed to learn new languages easily
  32. classes involve hands-on experience writing code, debugging programs, and many other tasks that they will do on the job
  33. to keep up with technology as it changes programmers may require continuing education and pro development seminars to learn new programming languages
  34. certification is a way to demonstrate a level of competence
  35. certification is also a way to give a competitive advantage when seeking for a job
  36. certification programs are often available through product vendors
  37. software firms offer programmers a way to become certified in specific comp language or vendor-specific programming
  38. some companies may require programmers to be certified in the products they use
  39. programmers who have general business experience may become computer systems analysts
  40. programmers with specific knowledge of and experience with a language or operating system may become computer software developers
  41. also possible promotion the managerial positions
  42. have analytical skills
  43. be concentrated
  44. detail oriented
  45. have troubleshooting skills
  46. companies often hire programmers in countries where wages or lower
  47. outsourcing could limit growth for computer programmers in the US
  48. most programmers work in computer system design
  49. industry is expected to grow as a result of an increasing demand for new software
  50. including software offered over the internet
  51. allowing access to online software allows for more customization for users
  52. new apps will have to be developed for mobile technology and the healthcare industry
  53. increase in comp systems that are built into electronics and into other non-computer products should result in some job growth for programmers and software developers
  54. job prospects will be best for programmers who have bachelors or higher and knowledge of a variety of programming languages
  55. keeping up to date with the newest programming tools will improve prospects
  56. as employers increasingly contract with outside firms to do programming jobs, more opportunities are expected to come forth for experienced programmers who have expertise in a specific area to work as consultants
  57. job growth is expected to be slower than other computer occupations
  58. in Utah, programming is expected to grow 1.9% and have about 260 annual openings
  59. expected to write code, troubleshoot and maintain programs
  60. write programs according to the specifications determined primarily
  61. by computer software engineers and systems analysts.
  62. Codes instructions for the computer to follow into a programming language, such as COBOL, Prolog, Java, C++, or Smalltalk. Different programming languages are used depending on the purpose of the program
  63. Test a program by running it to ensure that the instructions are correct and that the program produces the desired outcome
  64. Make appropriate changes if program doesn’t work correctly
  65. programmers may work long hours and possibly weekends to meet deadlines and or the fix critical problems that occur during off hours
  66. as computer networks expand more programmers are able to make corrections or fix problems remotely by using modems, email and the internet to connect with a customers computer
  67. programmers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems
  68. programming means to tell a computer what to do
  69. some parts of the job and computer languages may not make sense what so ever
  70. A formal description of the language is essential in learning, writing, and implementing the language.
  71. Programmers create software programs
  72. turn designs into usable software
  73. use code libraries which are collections of independent lines of code to simplify the writing
  74. Software-as-a-service (SaaS), which consists of applications provided through the Internet, is a growing field
  75. SaaS is the reason why newer technology may not have to update as frequently